ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
PIB Headquarters
Government E-Learning platforms a massive hit in the Lockdown period
The unfortunate COVID-19 induced national Lockdown has not bring every sector to standstill, thanks to Government's e-learning platforms. Though the lockdown had forced cancellation of most of the exams, the central government had made sure students get full access to online classes through various e-learning platforms. Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal had appealed the students to utilise the digital learning platforms to full potential. National Repository of open education Resources, NROER, is an excellent initiative launched by the Ministry of HRD where one can get exposure to E-libraries, E-Courses and chance to participate in events online and theme based education. The teachers too can enrol for NROER and learn lessons that are taught in the classroom.
Arunodhayan, a HSC student says that he spends this lockdown period very effectively by reading books through E-Library offered by NROER.
Shri Sujith, Chairman of a private school in Coimbatore thanked the honorable Prime Minister and the Minister for Human Resources & Development  for the useful initiatives taken during lockdown period. He further appreciated that Government called for the educational institutions to come forward with the different online solutions to diversify the learning experience. The parents too are feeling motivated by the fact that children keep learning at home, despite the lockdown.
SWAYAM , is another programme initiated by the Government of India aimed at achieving the three cardinal principles of universal education viz. Access, Equity and Quality and NPTEL  is another key project of MHRD initiated by seven Indian Institutes of Technology  along with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 2003 to provide quality education to anyone interested in learning from the IITs.
Dr. M. Palanisamy, Registrar of a private university is all praise for the Central Government’s initiatives of providing a lot of opportunities during the period of COVID-19 and portals like NPTEL and SWAYAM are a major milestones in ensuring higher education reach every doorstep in the country.
Anandhu Gigi, Ist Year MSW Student, while speaking to Field Outreach Bureau, Coimbatore said the Government shows the way for others in how to utilise a crisis situation better in an essential sector like education through making digital learning platforms to work effectively.
Many schools and Universities have regular online classes daily and such worthy efforts of institutions in collaboration with a proactive government policies will go a long way in building a better and informed citizenry.
Shri Anandhu Gigi, MSW student accessing online classes
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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Financial Support For Deceased/Injured In Road Accidents
National Highways Authority of India  has envisaged a cashless treatment facility on all four arms of Golden Quadrilateral stretch to provide Hospitalization Insurance cover to the immediate road Accident Victims  on the identified National Highway stretches between Delhi-Mumbai/ Mumbai-Chennai/ Chennai-Kolkata/ Kolkata-Agra & Agra-Delhi Corridor of Golden Quadrilateral  on cashless basis for treatment of bodily injury caused by and arising out of road accident only, so as to take care of the immediate needs of the hospitalization of the victims for the first 48 hours from the time of hospitalization or providing necessary treatment up to a cost of Rs. 30,000/, whichever occurs earlier starting from the time of the ambulance reaching the accident site, as recorded in the Control Room.
As per the data received from police department of Uttar Pradesh, total number of road accidents and persons killed on National Highways in the State of Uttar Pradesh during the last three calendar years 2018 to 2020 is given in the table below : -
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Year
|
|
National Highways 
|
|
|
|
Road Accidents
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% increase or decrease over previous year
|
|
Persons killed
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% increase or decrease over previous year
|
|
2018
|
|
16198
|
|
|
|
8818
|
|
|
|
2019
|
|
16181
|
|
-0.10
|
|
8830
|
|
0.14
|
|
2020
|
|
13695
|
|
-15.36
|
|
7859
|
|
-11.00
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between PM and Prime Minister of Sweden
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with H.E. Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister of Sweden.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the steps being taken in their respective countries for controlling its health and economic impacts.
Both leaders agreed on the potential for collaboration and data sharing between Indian and Swedish researchers and scientists, which would also contribute to the global efforts against COVID-19.
The two leaders promised to provide necessary facilitation and assistance for each other’s citizens, who may be stranded due to ongoing travel restrictions.
They also agreed that their officials would remain in touch to optimise availability of medical supplies for fighting COVID-19.
Ministry of Defence
Indian Navy Provides 'Oxygen on Wheels' to Palasa COVID Care Centre
Based on a request from the Srikakulam District Collector Shri J Niwas, the Indian Navy provided on 'Oxygen on Wheels' plant to Palasa COVID Care Centre on 25 May 21. The 'Oxygen on Wheels' designed by Naval Dockyard, was formally inaugurated at the Palasa, Covid Care Centre by Shri Seediri Appalaraju, Hon'ble Minister of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development & Fisheries in the presence of Sub Collector Shri Suraj Ganore and the Naval Team.
The 'Oxygen on Wheels' has been connected up with the Oxygen pipeline in the Covid Health Care Centre at Palasa by a team of specialists from Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam and it provides oxygen round the clock for up to 12 patients admitted in the hospital. The team has also trained hospital staff in the operation of the plant.
‘Oxygen on Wheels’ is a unique initiative launched by the Naval Dockyard wherein a PSA Oxygen Plant was integrated on a mobile platform to serve remote hospitals and was formally launched at Visakhapatnam by Vice Adm AB Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC on 20 May 21.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri inaugurates IAF Commanders’ Conference
The First biannual IAF Commanders' Conference of 2018 was inaugurated today by Hon'ble Raksha Mantri at Air Headquarters . Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa PVSM AVSM YSM VM ADC, welcomed Hon'ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon'ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre and Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra. He introduced IAF Commanders to the Raksha Mantri.
CAS briefed RM on the current status of the IAF and on Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti', which was conducted in April this year. CAS highlighted that the exercise was very fruitful in testing IAFs surge operations capability, logistics supply chain, rapid augmentation of personnel, inter theatre move of forces, communication network and reliability of equipment & systems. It would be pertinent to recall that Raksha Mantri had visited North Eastern Sector during the Exercise to witness Air to Ground weapon delivery by IAF fighters and helicopters, operation from ALGs, accelerated fighter operations and Garud Assault Drill.
While addressing the IAF Commanders, RM praised the exemplary conduct of IAF's biggest exercise in the recent times. She complimented all personnel for sustaining round the clock operations in the most professional manner. She said that the focus of Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was to draw lessons for evolving the doctrinal loop which is an ongoing process. She mentioned that Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti' was a landmark exercise for IAF. She complimented the IAF for a leadership role in jointmanship which was evident during the exercise and congratulated the Army and Navy for supporting the Air Force in achieving the objectives of ‘Gagan Shakti’.
While laying down her vision for contribution of the IAF towards indigenisation, she emphasised that being a tech intensive service the IAF should pioneer in laying the roadmap for absorption and production of high end aviation technology products in India and propel India’s growth in these sectors as envisaged in Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy in the next 15 years.
The Raksha Mantri also commended the IAF for the key role played by it in nation building by way of promoting regional connectivity by rendering support towards the UDAN scheme. The IAF has opened up several of its airfields for civil aircraft operations in furtherance of the scheme.
RM complemented the IAF for setting a precedence on several aspects of jointness as suggested by the Prime Minister. She specifically highlighted the efforts of IAF for having issued a path-breaking order empowering the CINCAN to exercise full control over the IAF officers deputed to work with him.
The conference is planned for two days. Commanders will discuss the operational, maintenance and administrative takeaways identified during the Exercise and the way ahead.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Chemical and Petrochemical Industry plays a pivotal role in Indian Economy and it is the key to the other sectors- Bhagwant Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers
Mumbai 15 September 2023
Union Minister of State of Chemicals & Fertilizers Bhagwant Khuba today said that Chemical and Petrochemical Industry plays a pivotal role in Indian Economy and it is the key to the other sectors. He was addressing the Award Ceremony of Indian Chemical Council in Mumbai. He said that the chemical industry encompasses more than 80,000 commercial products. He stressed that the government has taken various initiatives to reduce dependency on imports by creating better infrastructure, ease of doing business and PLI schemes for chemical sector. He underlined that the government is committed to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive, create global champions in chemical manufacturing, boost export and create jobs. He added that India has achieved FDI growth of 91% during the financial year 2022-23 than the previous financial year. He said that this shows the enormous potential of this sector for investment, growth and employment generation. The Chemical Industry today accounts for 210 Million/ Billion US dollars and expected to reach 300 mark by 2025.
Bimal Gokuldas, President of Indian Chemical Council also presented his views in the award ceremony and underlined the importance of the chemical industry. Speaking on the occasion he said, the stakeholders of the industry should understand the fact that there is a need to change the perception about the chemical industry and the awareness about the importance of this industry should be propagated among the people. He pointed out that without this industry not a single need of the human being would have been fulfilled and the other industries would have been evolved.
He informed that the ICC is conducting many training programmes to update the practices in the industry including safety and environment protection. He noted that many positive outcomes are visible with these efforts.
S. K. Purohit, Joint Secretary - Chemicals, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Indian Chemical Council ICC Awards, were presented to companies and for Individual Life Time Achievement for exceptional performance in various domains of Chemical Industry.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Registered MSMES Cross 48 Lakh
The number of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  registered on Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum  Portal from September, 2015 to 12th July, 2018 is nearly 48.40 lakh. Out of which 43,18,841 are registered as micro, 5,00,942 as small and 19,766 as medium enterprises. Minister of State  for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri Giriraj Singh stated this in written replies in the Rajya Sabha today. He informed that the highest number of 7,70,871 MSMES registered are from Bihar followed by Uttar Pradesh , Delhi , Maharashtra  and Gujarat . The number of MSMEs registered from North-Eastern states, including Sikkim, are 27, 722, with Manipur standing highest at 17,239.
The minister informed that MSME registration allows entrepreneurs the benefits from various schemes like Credit Guarantee Scheme, Credit Linked Capital Subsidies Scheme, Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme, Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme, Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship, Revamped Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries, Design Clinic Scheme for MSMEs and financial support to MSMEs in ZED certification scheme, besides the schemes of other Ministries.
The minister informed that under the Public Procurement Policy, 358 product items have been reserved for exclusive procurement from MSEs. Shri Giriraj Singh also informed the House that Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme  is a credit linked subsidy scheme, for setting up of new micro-enterprises and to generate employment opportunities in rural as well as urban areas of the country through KVIC, State Khadi & Village Industries Board  and District Industries Centre . He said that recognizing the importance of MSME sector, a recent ordinance has empowered the Government to provide the MSME special dispensation under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code .
He said that to increase the registration at UAM portal the State Governments and industry associations have been urged through communication, interactive session over video conferencing.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN ACHIEVING ‘SELF RELIANT INDIA
Science and Technology has a significant role to play achieving the aim of self-reliant India, said Dr.M.Chandrasekharam, Senior Principal Scientist, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology , Hyderabad. Delivering the key note address in the Webinar on GLOBALISATION-SELF RELIANT INDIA-THE NEED –THE TRANSFORMATION AND THE WAY FORWARD” organised by the Press Information Bureau  and the Regional Outreach Bureau  of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India, Shri Chandrasekharam said scientists and researchers are playing their role in making India self reliant in all fields. Referring to the Covid pandemic, he said India produced the PPE Kits and Ventilators not only required for the country but could also export them to other countries. Shri Chandrasekharam highlighted the fact that FELUDA, a paper based diagnostic technology developed by CSIR is now approved by DGCI.
Saying that the Govt of India is giving top priority for science and technology, the Principal Scientist said the Central Govt organised a mega event “Vaishwik Bharateeya Vaighnanik”  providing forum for all Indian scientists and researchers living in India and abroad. Indian scientists, from CSIR in particular, have played a key role in space research, development of indelible ink, pheromone application technology and in white revolution, aimed at increasing milk production in the country. He said that India is no longer only a ‘consumer of knowledge’ adopting all best practices developed in other countries and but has now emerged as ‘producer of knowledge’.
In her inaugural address, Smt Shruti Patil, Director, PIB & ROB said the Webinar was organised in the background of the India International Science Festival-2020 being organised from 22nd to 25th of this month. Welcome address was delivered by Shri Manas Krishnakanth, Assistant Director, ROB. Several college students, volunteers from NYK, officers and staff of various media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Scientists and Researchers from the IICT participated in the webinar.
Ministry of Defence
Defence Secretary & his Sri Lankan counterpart review bilateral ties during 7th Annual Defence Dialogue in New Delhi; Agree to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises
7th Annual Defence Dialogue between India and Sri Lanka was held in New Delhi on February 23, 2023. It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his Sri Lankan counterpart General Kamal Gunaratne. During the meeting, the ongoing defence cooperation activities between the two countries were reviewed, with both sides agreeing to increase the complexity of bilateral exercises. In the context of training, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to avail maximum benefits from each other’s experience and capacities.
Shri Giridhar Aramane thanked General Kamal Gunaratne and his delegation for a fruitful dialogue and stated that India looks forward to continued engagement based on the common understanding reached at the dialogue.
The Indian delegation also included officials from Ministry of Defence, Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Service Headquarters and Ministry of External Affairs. The Sri Lankan delegation included Commander of Sri Lankan Air Force Air Marshal SK Pathirana amongst other senior dignitaries.
This Annual Defence Dialogue is the highest institutionalised interactive mechanism between both the countries. Its significance in chartering the future course of the relations between the Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka was highlighted by the importance given to the talks by both sides. The Armed Forces of both countries continue to seek bilateral cooperation in multiple fields and increased engagements are a positive sign for the future of bilateral relations.
Department of Atomic Energy
New Atomic Power Plants
During the last three years and the current year, the Government has accorded administrative approval and financial sanction for construction of twelve  nuclear power reactors - ten  indigenous 700 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors  to be set up in fleet mode & two  units of Light Water Reactors  to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation to enhance nuclear power capacity in the country. The details of these projects are given below:
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State
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Location
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Project
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Capacity

MW)
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PHWRs to be set up in fleet mode
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|
Madhya Pradesh
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|
Chutka
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|
Chutka -1&2
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|
2 X 700
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|
Karnataka
|
|
Kaiga
|
|
Kaiga - 5&6
|
|
2 X 700
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
Mahi Banswara
|
|
Mahi Banswara - 1&2
|
|
2 X 700
|
|
Haryana
|
|
Gorakhpur
|
|
GHAVP - 3&4
|
|
2 X 700
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
Mahi Banswara
|
|
Mahi Banswara - 3&4
|
|
2 X 700
|
|
LWRs to be set up in cooperation with Russian Federation
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
Kudankulam
|
|
KKNPP - 5&6
|
|
2 X 1000
Presently, two public sector companies of the Department of Atomic Energy, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited  and BharatiyaNabhikiyaVidyut Nigam Limited  are involved in nuclear power generation.
There is no proposal under consideration at present to permit non-Government sector in the area of nuclear power generation. However, the private sector participates in the nuclear power sector by providing core reactor components, equipment, materials and services in areas that include construction, fabrication & erection of equipment, piping, electrical, instrumentation, consultancy, auxiliary and logistical services.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, DrJitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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SNC
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah pays surprise visit to Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan  Hospital to review arrangements related to COVID-19
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah paid a surprise visit to Lok Nayak Jay Prakash Narayan  Hospital here today to review arrangements related to COVID-19. Shri Amit Shah directed the Delhi Chief Secretary to install CCTV cameras in Corona wards of every Corona hospital, so that there is proper monitoring and problems of patients can also be resolved.
Union Home Minister also directed the Delhi Chief Secretary that back-ups for canteens supplying food should also be established, so that in case there is an infection in one canteen, patients can continue to get food without disruption.
Shri Amit Shah directed that psycho-social counselling of doctors and nurses engaged in service to humanity through the treatment of Corona patients should also be done. This will ensure that not only are they physically but also psychologically fit to fight the pandemic.
Ministry of Defence
President of India presents colour to INS Shivaji
The Hon’ble President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarded the President’s Colour to INS Shivaji, Lonavala, commanded by Commodore Ravnish Seth, on 13 Feb 2020. The President’s Colour is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit was received by Nishan Adhikari on behalf of INS Shivaji during an impressive ceremonial parade comprising 130 officers and 630 Sailors of the Indian Navy that also included a 150 men Guard of Honour.
Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command along with senior defence and civilian dignitaries were present on the occasion and witnessed the ceremonial parade.
The Hon’ble President congratulated the Officers and Sailors of INS Shivaji for their impeccable turnout, smart drill and impressive appearance of the establishment. He also congratulated the personnel of INS Shivaji both Past and Present for the great service rendered to the nation for the past 75 years in pursuance of their duties. The contribution of INS Shivaji in training of modern-day Marine Engineers was specially noted by the Hon’ble President. The Hon’ble President wished all personnel of INS Shivaji greater heights and achievements in following decades of technological era to conclude his speech.
INS Shivaji was established in 1945 and it is one of the premier training establishments of Indian Navy. The establishment has been entrusted with responsibility of imparting training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign navies in the domains of Marine Engineering. Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence including Damage Control and Fire Fighting, Main & Auxiliary Controls. Overall, the establishment conducts more than 500 courses for officers and sailors and has an annual training throughput of more than 2800 officers and 7800 sailors. Shivaji also has the proud privilege of imparting training to personnel from 20 countries worldwide with an annual throughput of over 250 international trainees on an average.
A Special Cover marking the Platinum Jubilee of INS Shivaji was also released by the Hon’ble President. The award of Presidents Colour marks a very important milestone in the history of INS Shivaji. The President’s Colour shall be proudly displayed and carried at all ceremonial parades at INS Shivaji to motivate and inspire all future Marine Engineers of the Navy.
Ministry of Defence
CDS AWARDS UNIT CITATIONS TO 3 TRI-SERVICE UNITS FOR EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Defence Staff, conferred CDS Unit Citations award to the Strategic Forces Command, College of Defence Management, Secunderabad & 2 PARA  for their exemplary performance for the Year 2021-22 in a ceremony held in New Delhi on May 11, 2023.
The CDS unit citations award was constituted after the establishment of the Office of Chief of the Defence Staff in 2019 to boost jointness and integration in the Armed Forces. It was decided to award the selected tri-service units/establishments which function directly under the Chiefs-of-Staff Committee bineally, as an incentive to excel as joint & integrated entities
CDS conveyed his appreciation to the three recipients of the citations and urged them to function as torch bearers for other integrated tri-service units and establishments.
ABB/SR/GC
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